Where is the storage in the Xiaomi Redmi 9 phone: a complete guide to accessing files

Xiaomi Redmi 9 owners often face the need to find built-in phone storage — whether for memory cleaning, file transfer or troubleshooting. Despite the intuitive MIUI interface, it’s not always clear where exactly user data, system files or app cache are stored, especially for those who are first switching from iOS or other versions of Android, where folder structure may differ.

In this article, we will not only show you the standard path to storage through Files, but also reveal hidden MIUI folders that are not displayed by default, explain how to access them without root rights, and understand the features of memory based on Android 10 (which is used in Redmi 9).

Standard way to access the storage through the application "Files"

The easiest way to view memory content is to use the MIUI file manager, which is pre-installed on all Xiaomi smartphones and has an intuitive interface to open the storage:

1. Click on the File icon (usually located on the home screen or in the app menu).
2. At the bottom of the screen, select the Device tab – this shows the phone’s internal memory.
3. Slip on the item Internal drive (or Internal storage depending on the version of MIUI).

In the window you will see the main folders:

• 📁 DCIM — Photos and video from the camera
• 🎵 Music - audio files
• 📄 Documents - documents (PDF, Word, Excel)
• 📥 Download – files downloaded from the Internet
• 🤖 Android – Application System Data

Note that some folders (like Android/data) may be hidden. To see them, click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Show Hidden Files, which will allow you to access the app cache and other service data.

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If the Android/data folder is empty, don't be alarmed - that's OK. MIUI restricts access to some system data without root rights.

Alternative ways to view storage: through PC and third-party applications

If the built-in file manager seems inconvenient, other methods can be used:

Connecting to a computer via USB

This will require a USB Type-C cable (companying with your phone) and connect Redmi 9 to your PC and do the following:

1. On the phone will appear a notification Charge via USB – tap it.
2. Select File Transfer (or MTP) mode.
3. On your computer, open this computer (Windows) or Finder (MacOS) – the phone will appear as a removable drive.

The advantage of this method is that you can copy large files (such as movies or backups) faster than you can through the cloud. USB-cable during data transfer, this can cause file damage.

Third-party file managers

If the standard Files app doesn’t suit you, install alternatives from Google Play:

• 📂 Solid Explorer – supports cloud storage and FTP
• 🔍 FX File Explorer – easy search and sort by file type
• 🛡️ Root Explorer – for root-right users (displays all system folders)

When the third-party manager first starts, they will request permissions to access the memory, and be sure to provide them, otherwise the application will not be able to show the contents of the storage.

Hidden MIUI folders: What they store and how to open them

Xiaomi hides some of the system folders so that users don't accidentally delete important data, but sometimes access to them is necessary - for example, to manually clean the cache or transfer backups.

To see these folders:

1. Open the Files app.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → Settings.
3. Activate the option to show hidden files.

⚠️ Attention: Delete files from folders MIUI or Android/data without understanding their purpose, it can lead to app failure or phone malfunctions, such as deleting files from the phone. /MIUI/theme Reset the theme to standard.

Why does the phone show less memory than claimed?

Many Redmi 9 users notice that the available storage is smaller than the specs (for example, instead of 64 GB, ~52 GB is available).

• 📱 System files MIUI: Occupying. ~8–12 GB (including firmware, Android kernel, preinstalled apps).
• 🔄 Memory markup: Manufacturers specify the volume in the decimal system (1 GB) = 1000 MB), and Android displays in binary (1 GB) = 1024 MB. The difference is ~7%.
• 🗑️ Cache and backup space: Android reserves ~1-3 GB for temporary files and updates.
• 📦 Pre-installed apps: Xiaomi adds its services (e.g. Mi Video, Mi Music) that take up space.

To make room:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Storage.
2. Click Clear next to Cash or Unnecessary Files.
3. Remove unused applications in Settings → Apps.

Delete the app cache|Transfer the photo to the cloud|Remove duplicate files|Disable Auto-Update Applications|Clean the Download folder-->

If there is a critically small amount of free space (less than 1 GB), the phone may start to slow down or automatically delete the cache, which will lead to slow applications.

How to transfer files to a memory card (if installed)

Redmi 9 supports microSD cards up to 512GB, but not all files can be transferred to them.

Portability of photos and videos

Open the Gallery app, select files, click More → Move → Memory Map. Alternatively:

1. Open the files. → DCIM/Camera.
2. Hold the folder or files. → Cut out.
3. Go to the memory card (folder) /storage/XXXX-XXXX/DCIM) → Insert.

Application portability (partially)

Not all programs support the transfer of SD-To check the map:

1. Open the Settings → Applications.
2. Select the application → Warehouse.
3. If there is a Change button, click it and select Memory Card.

⚠️ Note: Transferring applications to a memory card can slow them down, as the read/write speed of the microSD is lower than that of the eMMC 5.1 internal memory (which is used in Redmi 9).

Configure the default saving on the map

To save new photos and videos immediately on SD:

1. Open the camera → press the gear (settings).
2. Choose Memory. → Memory map.

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ExFAT memory cards (over 32 GB) require pre-formatting in the phone. Use Settings → Storage → Memory card → Format as internal (this will delete all data!).

Frequent errors in the storage and how to fix them

Even experienced users sometimes face problems with memory management, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

• 🚫 "Not enough space" if available: Clear the cache in Settings → Warehouse → If it doesn't work, reboot your phone.
• 🔌 Phone is not defined as a drive when connected to a PC: Check the cable (try another). Turn on Debugging by USB In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (press 7 times) → Additionally. → For developers. Update the drivers. ADB PC-only.
• 📂 Folders disappear after updating MIUI: It's about data migration. /XMSF — There could be backups.
• 🔒 No access to memory card: Remount the card in Settings → Warehouse → Memory map → Set up → Data portability. If the card is damaged, format it (data will be deleted!).

If the phone starts to overheat or discharge quickly after memory manipulation, check the activity of the processes in Settings → Battery → Battery Use. Perhaps background file synchronization (for example, with Google Photos) is loading the system.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions about Redmi 9 Storage